Coaxial knob control for vehicle vent

The subject disclosure relates to heating, ventilation and air conditioning of a vehicle. In particular, the present disclosure relates to directional control of airflow out of vents in the vehicle. Vehicles have multiple air vents in, for example, an instrument panel of the vehicle to distribute conditioned airflow into the passenger compartment of the vehicle. These vents typically use slide levers to move one or more sets of louvers or doors inside the vent to change the side-to-side and/or up-down direction of the airflow. With styling changes to vehicle interiors, the use of slim profile vents is increasing. The configuration of the slim profile vent makes the typical adjustment mechanism difficult to utilize. As such, it is desirable to provide an alternative to the typical adjustment mechanism, which is more compatible with the slim profile vent configuration.

In one exemplary embodiment, a vent assembly of a vehicle includes a bezel defining a vent opening through which an airflow is directed. A primary vane extends across the vent opening. The primary vane is selectably movable about a primary vane axis to adjust a direction of the airflow in a first direction. A plurality of secondary vanes are arrayed across the vent opening. Each secondary vane is selectably movable about a secondary vane axis nonparallel to the primary vane axis to adjust the direction of the airflow in a second direction. A primary adjustment knob is located on an adjustment shaft and is rotatable about an adjustment axis. The primary adjustment knob is configured such that movement of the primary adjustment knob about the adjustment axis moves the primary vane about the primary vane axis. A secondary adjustment knob is coaxial with the primary adjustment knob and is independently rotatable about the adjustment axis. The secondary adjustment knob is configured such that movement of the secondary adjustment knob about the adjustment axis moves the plurality of secondary vanes about their respective secondary vane axes.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, an adjustment barrel is located along the adjustment shaft. The adjustment barrel includes an adjustment groove therein. A vane pin extends from the primary vane and is positioned in the adjustment groove.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the vane pin is offset from the primary vane axis.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, an adjustment cylinder extends from the secondary adjustment knob along the adjustment axis. An adjustment sleeve is located on the adjustment axis radially between the adjustment shaft and the adjustment cylinder and is corotational with the adjustment cylinder about the adjustment axis. A sleeve conical gear is located at the adjustment sleeve. The sleeve conical gear is operably connected to the plurality of secondary vanes to move the plurality of secondary vanes about their respective secondary vane axes via rotation of the sleeve conical gear about the knob axis.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the sleeve conical gear is slidably installed onto the adjustment shaft, such that when the adjustment shaft is moved along the adjustment axis the sleeve conical gear maintains operable connection with the plurality of secondary vanes.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the adjustment cylinder is configured to be slidable along the adjustment axis relative to the adjustment sleeve.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the primary adjustment knob and the secondary adjustment knob are moveable along the adjustment axis between an extended position for movement of the primary vane and the plurality of secondary vanes, and a locked position preventing movement of the primary vane and the plurality of secondary vanes.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, in the locked position the primary adjustment knob and the secondary adjustment knob are at least partially recessed into the bezel.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, a latch is operably connected to the adjustment shaft. The latch is configured to secure the primary adjustment knob and the secondary adjustment knob in the locked position.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, a biasing member is configured to bias the primary adjustment knob and the secondary adjustment knob toward the extended position.

In another exemplary embodiment, a method of adjusting airflow through a vent assembly of a vehicle includes providing a primary adjustment knob at and rotatably about an adjustment axis. The primary adjustment knob is operably connected to a primary vane of the vent assembly via an adjustment shaft. A secondary adjustment knob is provided which is operably connected to a plurality of secondary vanes of the vent assembly. The secondary adjustment knob is coaxial with the primary adjustment knob and is independently rotatable about the adjustment axis. The primary adjustment knob is moved about the adjustment axis to rotate the primary vane about a primary vane axis to adjust a position of the primary vane. The secondary adjustment knob is moved about the adjustment axis to adjust a position of the plurality of secondary vanes. A direction of the airflow is adjusted as a result of adjusting the position of the primary vane and the plurality of secondary vanes.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the primary vane is rotated about the primary vane axis by moving a vane pin extending from the primary vane. The vane pin is operably connected to the primary adjustment knob via an adjustment barrel located on the adjustment shaft. The vane pin is located in an adjustment groove of the adjustment barrel.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the vane pin is offset from the primary vane axis.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the plurality of secondary vanes are moved about their respective secondary vane axes via rotation of a sleeve conical gear about the adjustment axis. The sleeve conical gear is located at an adjustment sleeve installed onto the adjustment shaft. The adjustment sleeve is positioned radially between the adjustment shaft and an adjustment cylinder extending from the secondary adjustment knob along the adjustment axis. The adjustment sleeve is corotational with the adjustment cylinder about the adjustment axis.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the sleeve conical gear is slidably installed onto the adjustment shaft, such that when the adjustment shaft is moved along the adjustment axis the sleeve conical gear maintains operable connection with the plurality of secondary vanes.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the adjustment cylinder is configured to be slidable along the adjustment axis relative to the adjustment sleeve.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the primary adjustment knob and the secondary adjustment knob are moved along the adjustment axis between an extended position for movement of the primary vane and the plurality of secondary vanes, and a locked position preventing movement of the primary vane and the plurality of secondary vanes.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, in the locked position the primary adjustment knob and the secondary adjustment knob are at least partially recessed into the bezel.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the primary adjustment knob and the secondary adjustment knob are latched in the locked position via a latch operably connected to the adjustment shaft.

Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments the primary adjustment knob and the secondary adjustment knob are biased toward the extended position by a biasing member operably connected to at least one of the primary adjustment knob and the secondary adjustment knob.

The above features and advantages, and other features and advantages of the disclosure are readily apparent from the following detailed description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, illustrated inis an embodiment of a vehicle. The vehicleincludes a vehicle body, which defines an occupant compartmentin an interior of the vehicle. The occupant compartmentincludes an instrument panelextending across the occupant compartment. The occupant compartmentis conditioned to be heated or cooled via a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systemwith conditioned airflow into the occupant compartment. Referring now to, one or more vent assembliesadmit the conditioned airflow into the occupant compartment. The conditioned airflow is admitted into the passenger compartmentvia one or more vent assemblieslocated in the instrument panel. While the vent assembliesare described herein as being located in the instrument panel, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the vent assembliesmay be additionally or alternatively located at other locations such as, for example, doors of the vehicle or a center console of the vehicle.

An embodiment of a vent assemblyis illustrated in. The vent assemblyincludes a bezel, which defines a vent openingthrough which the airflowis directed into the occupant compartment. The vent assemblyincludes a movable primary vanewhich is rotatable about a primary vane axis, and a plurality of secondary vanes, which are each rotatable about respective secondary vane axes. The primary vaneand the secondary vanesare disposed in a vent housing. In some embodiments, the primary vane axisis a horizontal axis, such that rotation of the primary vaneabout the primary vane axischanges a direction of the airflowin a first, vertical direction with respect to the passenger compartment. Further, in some embodiments the secondary vane axisis a vertical axis, such that rotation of the secondary vanesabout their secondary vane axeschanges the direction of the airflowin a second, horizontal direction. The primary vaneand secondary vanesare moved to direct the airflowin a selected or desired direction. The apparatus utilized to move the primary vaneand the secondary vaneswill be described in detail herein.

Referring now to, the vent assemblyincludes an adjustment mechanismthat extends through the bezelat a bezel openingand which includes a pair of coaxial knobs, connected to the primary vaneand the secondary vane(illustrated in). The adjustment mechanismis located at or near one lateral end of the vent assembly. One skilled in the art, however, will readily appreciate that the adjustment mechanismmay be positioned at other locations along a lateral width of the vent assembly. The pair of coaxial knobs includes a primary adjustment knoboperably connected to the primary vaneto adjust a position of the primary vaneabout the primary vane axisvia rotation of the primary adjustment knobabout an adjustment axis. The adjustment mechanismfurther includes a secondary adjustment knoboperably connected to the secondary vanesto adjust a position of the secondary vanesrelative to their respective secondary vane axes, via rotation of the secondary adjustment knobabout the adjustment axis.

As illustrated in, the primary adjustment knoband the secondary adjustment knobare positioned along an adjustment shaft. The primary adjustment knobis directly coupled to the adjustment shaft, such that movement of the primary adjustment knobaxially along the adjustment axiscorrespondingly moves the adjustment shaftalong the adjustment axis, and such that rotation of the primary adjustment knobabout the adjustment axiscorrespondingly rotates the adjustment shaftabout the adjustment axis. In some embodiments the primary adjustment knobis formed integral to the adjustment shaftat a first shaft endof the adjustment shaft. An adjustment sleeveis coaxial with the adjustment shaftand located radially outboard of and surrounding the adjustment shaft, such that the adjustment sleeveis freely movable relative to the adjustment shaft, both axially along the adjustment axisand rotationally about the adjustment axis. The secondary adjustment knobis on a cylindersurrounding the adjustment sleeve, with the secondary adjustment knoblocated at a first axial cylinder endof the cylinder. In some embodiments, the secondary adjustment knobis formed integral with the cylinder. The cylinderis freely movable along the adjustment axis, relative to the adjustment sleeve, but is rotationally coupled to the adjustment sleevesuch that rotation of the cylinderabout the adjustment axisresults in a corresponding rotation of the adjustment sleeveabout the adjustment axis. In some embodiments, such as illustrated in, the adjustment sleeveincludes one or more sleeve protrusionsextending radially outwardly from a sleeve bodywhich extends into a corresponding one or more cylinder channels. The interaction between the one or more sleever protrusionsand the one or more cylinder channelsrotationally couples the cylinderto the adjustment sleeve. This arrangement to rotationally couple the cylinderto the adjustment sleeveis merely exemplary, and other mechanisms may be utilized. For example, in other embodiments, the arrangement may be substantially reversed, with protrusions extending radially inward from the cylinderinto channels on the adjustment sleeve.

As illustrated in, the adjustment mechanismis movable between an extended position shown inand a locked position shown in. When the adjustment mechanismis in the extended position of, the primary adjustment knoband the secondary adjustment knobprotrude from the bezelat the bezel openingallowing the primary vaneand the secondary vanesto be adjusted via rotation of the primary adjustment knoband the secondary adjustment knobabout the adjustment axis. On the other hand, when the adjustment mechanismis in the locked position of, the primary adjustment knoband the secondary adjustment knobare recessed into the bezel openingso user cannot move the primary adjustment knoband the secondary adjustment knobabout the adjustment axis. In some embodiments, the difference in axial position of the primary adjustment knobbetween the locked position and the extended position is in the range of 10 millimeters to 30 millimeters. In an exemplary embodiment, the difference in axial position is 20 millimeters.

Referring again to, the adjustment shaftextends into a latch housing, which includes a latchdisposed at a housing endof the latch housing. A latch guideis connected to adjustment shaftat a second shaft endopposite the first shaft endand moves axially along the adjustment axiswith the adjustment shaft, but the adjustment shaftfreely rotates about the adjustment axisrelative to the latch guide. The latch guideincludes a latch postextending therefrom toward the latch guide. To move the adjustment mechanismto the latched position from the extended position, the user pushes the primary adjustment knobin the axial direction along the adjustment axisthus urging the latch postinto a latch openingof the latch, which includes one or more engagement features, such as tabs or the like to retain the latch postwithin the latch. The adjustment sleeveis disposed outside of the latch housing, and some embodiments of the adjustment mechanisminclude a biasing springbetween the latch housingand a sleeve stopof the adjustment sleeve. In some embodiments the sleeve stopis a rib extending radially outwardly from a sleeve bodyof the adjustment sleeve. The biasing springis configured to bias the adjustment sleeve, and thus the adjustment shafttoward the extended position. Thus, to move the adjustment mechanismto the locked position, the user must overcome the spring force of the biasing spring.

To move the adjustment mechanismfrom the locked position to the extended position, the user again presses on the primary adjustment knob, to move the adjustment shaftalong the latch axis. This action releases the latch postfrom engagement with the latch, and the biasing springurges the adjustment sleeveand thus the adjustment shaft, the secondary adjustment knoband the primary adjustment knobtoward the extended position. The adjustment mechanismincludes one or more travel stops to prevent overtravel of the primary adjustment knoband the secondary adjustment knob. In some embodiments, the sleeve stopacts to stop travel of the adjustment sleeveby butting against an opening flangeof the bezel. Additionally, the latch housingmay include a housing stopwhich stops travel of the latch guide, and thus stops or limits travel of the adjustment shaftand the primary adjustment knob.

In some embodiments, the latch guideincludes a damper gearrotatable about a gear axisrelative to the latch guide. The damper gearincludes gear teeththat engage complimentary housing teethat a housing wallof the latch housing. This engagement provides a smooth and linear travel of the adjustment mechanismfrom the locked position to the extended position.

Referring again to, with continuing reference to, when the adjustment mechanismis in the extended position, the user may adjust a position of the primary vaneby rotating the primary adjustment knobabout the adjustment axis. A first vane pinextends from a first primary vane endat the primary vane axisto retain the first primary vane endin the vent housing. A primary vane camis located at a second primary vane endand includes a second vane pinextending therefrom. An adjustment barrelis disposed on the adjustment shaft, surrounding the adjustment shaft. The adjustment barrelhas a central barrel openingallowing the free axial movement of the adjustment shaftrelative to the adjustment barrel, while when the adjustment shaftis rotated about the adjustment axisthe adjustment barrelrotates with the adjustment shaft. In some embodiments, the adjustment shaftincludes one or more shaft ribsthat extend into complimentary barrel recessesin the adjustment barrelto rotationally retain the adjustment barrelrelative to the adjustment shaft, so that the adjustment barrelrotates with rotation of the adjustment shaft. Further, in some embodiments, the adjustment barrelis disposed in the latch housingand is retained in an axial direction by one or more housing ribsthat abut or otherwise interact with the adjustment barrelto limit or prevent movement of the adjustment barrelalong the adjustment axis. In some embodiments, the adjustment barrelincludes a barrel grooveinto which a housing ribat least partially extends to axially retain the adjustment barrel.

The adjustment barrelincludes an adjustment groovein an outer barrel surface into which the second vane pinis installed. As shown in, the adjustment grooveis oriented at a groove anglerelative to the adjustment axis, with the groove angledefining the degree of adjustment of the primary vaneabout the primary vane axis. For example, in some embodiments the groove angleis in the range of 30 degrees to 45 degrees, which in some embodiments corresponds to an adjustment angle in the range of 30 degrees to 45 degrees of the primary vaneabout the primary vane axis. In operation, as best illustrated in, when the user rotates the primary adjustment knobabout the adjustment axis, this rotates that adjustment shaftand the adjustment barrelabout the adjustment axiswhile the cylinderremains rotationally stationary. Through the connection of the second vane pinto the adjustment barrelat the adjustment groove, the primary vaneis moved about the primary vane axis.

Referring now to, with continued reference to, when the adjustment mechanismis in the extended position, the user may adjust a position of the secondary vanesby rotating the secondary adjustment knobabout the adjustment axis. The secondary vanesare rotatably secured in the vent housingsuch that the secondary vanesare rotatable about their respective secondary vane axes. In some embodiments, such as shown, the secondary vanesare arranged in two or more vane rows. While two vane rowsare illustrated, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that other embodiments may utilize, for example, a single vane row. The secondary vanesare each connected to a linkagevia a respective linkage pin. The linkageand linkage pinensure that the secondary vanesrotate in unison about their respective vane axes. In some embodiments, the linkageis positioned between adjacent vane rows.

One of the secondary vanesis designated as a drive vaneand includes a drive pinextending along the respective secondary vane axisand is connected to a drive gearrotatable about a drive secondary vane axis. An intermediate drive memberincludes an intermediate gearthat meshes with the drive gearand is rotatable about an intermediate axis. In some embodiments, the intermediate axisis parallel to the secondary vane axes. The intermediate drive memberfurther includes an intermediate conical gearthat is coaxial and corotational with the intermediate gear. The adjustment sleeveincludes a sleeve conical gearat a sleeve endopposite the first axial cylinder end. The sleeve conical gearis meshed with the intermediate conical gearsuch that rotation of the adjustment sleevevia rotation of the cylinderabout the adjustment axisdrives rotation of the intermediate drive memberabout the intermediate axis.

In operation, the user rotates the secondary adjustment knobabout the adjustment axis, thus rotating the cylinderand the adjustment sleeveabout the adjustment axis, while the adjustment shaftremains rotationally stationary. This, in turn drives rotation of the intermediate drive memberabout the intermediate axis, via the mesh between the sleeve conical gearand the intermediate conical gear. The rotation of the intermediate memberdrives rotation of the drive gearabout the drive secondary vane axis. This rotation is transmitted to the drive vaneand into the linkageby the rotation of the drive vane. The linkagedrives rotation of the remainder of the secondary vanesabout their respective secondary vane axes. Referring again to, in some embodiments, the adjustment sleeveextends into the latch housingsuch that the sleeve conical gearin located inside the latch housing. A housing wallof the latch housingacts as an axial stop of the cylinderto limit axial movement of the adjustment sleeve.

The adjustment mechanismof the present disclosure provides adjustment of the primary vaneand the secondary vanesthrough the coaxial but independently rotatable adjustment knobs,. This eliminates the need for the traditional visible slider knob from the vent opening, and provides an elegant solution aiding in enabling the incorporation of slim vent assemblies. Further, when in the locked position the adjustment mechanismis recessed into the bezelmaking it visually appealing and less intrusive to the user, when compared to traditional slider knob.

The terms “a” and “an” do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item. The term “or” means “and/or” unless clearly indicated otherwise by context. Reference throughout the specification to “an aspect”, means that a particular element (e.g., feature, structure, step, or characteristic) described in connection with the aspect is included in at least one aspect described herein, and may or may not be present in other aspects. In addition, it is to be understood that the described elements may be combined in any suitable manner in the various aspects.

When an element such as a layer, film, region, or substrate is referred to as being “on” another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on” another element, there are no intervening elements present.

Unless specified to the contrary herein, all test standards are the most recent standard in effect as of the filing date of this application, or, if priority is claimed, the filing date of the earliest priority application in which the test standard appears.

Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

While the above disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from its scope. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but will include all embodiments falling within the scope thereof.